Specialty intermodal container having a roll cover roof, method of use and manufacture

An intermodal container, comprising:

• first and second ends, joined by first and second sides in a generally rectangular configuration;
• a generally continuous floor cooperating with the first and second ends and the first and second sides to form an open top container;
• a plurality of roof overhangs extending adjacent a top of the open top container, generally parallel to the floor;
• a roll cover having a first position in which the open top container is substantially open to the ambient environment to allow for loading from above the first and second sides and first and second ends of the open top container, and a second position in which the open top container is substantially closed to the ambient environment to prevent any contents of the open top container to be ejected from the open top container during transport;
• a plurality of top reinforcement rails disposed adjacent upper portions of the first and second sides, and extending from the first side to the second side;
• first and second end cross members;
• and
• wherein the first end cross member is located between the first end and the midpoint between the first and second ends at a position closer to the first end than the midpoint between the first and second ends.

An intermodal container, comprising:

• first and second ends, joined by first and second sides in a generally rectangular configuration;
• a generally continuous floor cooperating with the first and second ends and the first and second sides to form an open top container;
• a plurality of roof overhangs extending adjacent a top of the open top container, generally parallel to the floor;
• a roll cover having a first position in which the open top container is substantially open to the ambient environment to allow for loading from above the first and second sides and first and second ends of the open top container, and a second position in which the open top container is substantially closed to the ambient environment to prevent any contents of the open top container to be ejected from the open top container during transport;
• a plurality of top reinforcement rails disposed adjacent upper portions of the first and second sides, and extending from the first side to the second side;
• and
• wherein the roll cover comprises a heavy duty PVC coated vinyl tarp extending from the first side to the second side, when the roll cover is in the second position.

An intermodal container, comprising:

• first and second ends, joined by first and second sides in a generally rectangular configuration;
• a generally continuous floor cooperating with the first and second ends and the first and second sides to form an open top container;
• a plurality of roof overhangs extending adjacent a top of the open top container, generally parallel to the floor;
• a roll cover having a first position in which the open top container is substantially open to the ambient environment to allow for loading from above the first and second sides and first and second ends of the open top container, and a second position in which the open top container is substantially closed to the ambient environment to prevent any contents of the open top container to be ejected from the open top container during transport;
• a plurality of top reinforcement rails disposed adjacent upper portions of the first and second sides, and extending from the first side to the second side;
• and
• wherein the roll cover comprises a heavy duty PVC coated vinyl tarp extending from the first end to the second end, when the roll cover is in the second position.